2018: Best of Thailand (IAT)

10 days from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

'Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.' Who said this? That's right?the King of Siam (now Thailand) in 'The King and I.' We're not sure, but we think he was referring to all the benefits you get from traveling with Monograms: included meals, sightseeing, expert guides, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. In fact, on this 10-day vacation, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, private guided sightseeing, daily breakfast (plus three lunches and one dinner), transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. Plus, we have arranged for you to have a Local Host-someone who will help make sure your trip is all you want it to be-in each city: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Ban Thaton, and Chiang Mai.Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Bangkok, as we can pick you up at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and help you get settled. The next morning, after included breakfast, we've arranged for a private guided tour of Bangkok. Visit the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok; the Grand Palace; the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of jade; and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Wait until you see the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha! We've also included a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok's canals, where you will see family homes, temples, and the local way of life.After a full day at leisure in Bangkok, you will fly to Chiang Rai, where your Local Host will be waiting for you at the airport. In Chiang Rai, we've arranged private guided sightseeing that includes a trishaw ride, the favorite local mode of transportation; a visit to the local market; and a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, which once housed the Emerald Buddha. We have then arranged transportation for you to Ban Thaton, where you will have two private guided tours. We will take you to an Akha village, a hill tribe known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins, and to a Karen village, home to the Padaung long-necked women, who have brass rings placed on their necks and legs as little girls, creating the visual illusion of stretching their necks.From Ban Thaton, we will transport you to Chiang Mai, where you will visit Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains, where you will enjoy spectacular views of Chiang Mai. You will have a full day at your leisure to enjoy independent exploration or perhaps book an optional Thai cooking class or attend a Khantoke dinner show featuring a local dance performance. And did we mention we've included a boat ride on the Kok River in Ban Thaton? It's just another one of the details we've included. We want to make sure you enjoy many forms of transportation: boat rides, a trishaw ride, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. In fact, between the sightseeing we've arranged, the transportation and attractions we've included, the hotels we've booked, the meals we've included, and the guides we've arranged, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. We've taken away the stress and hassles of having to figure out where to go and what to do, so what are you waiting for? Thailand awaits!

Call (510) 247-0670 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13597800

Today's PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR starts with a BOAT RIDE through the klongs, Bangkok's canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname 'Venice of the East.' Stop at Wat Arun, the TEMPLE OF THE DAWN, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue on to the GRAND PALACE, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA. Also, visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (B,L)

Your PRIVATE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING this morning includes a Trishaw ride, the favorite local mode of transportation, through the city's residential area and local market. Also, visit Wat Phra Kaew, which once hosted the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok). The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)

Day 6

Ban Thaton

Today, your PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR includes an AKHA VILLAGE, a hill tribe known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. Then, take a BOAT RIDE on the Kok River before continuing on to your hotel by private car. (B,L,D)

Start your day with a fascinating PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR of a KAREN VILLAGE, home to the PADAUNG LONG-NECKED WOMEN. Early in life, brass rings are placed on the necks of the village girls and as they mature, additional rings are added. This pushes the collarbone down and compresses the rib cage, creating the illusion of stretching their necks. Continue on to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city, by private car. (B,L)

Your PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR begins with a visit to Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with over 300 steps. On a clear day, you will enjoy spectacular views of Chiang Mai. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Prices are per person, based on double room occupancy. For singles traveling alone, a supplement will be quoted at the time of booking. Single rooms are available at a supplement; triple rooms are available at some hotels.2019 departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications. Details will be available in August 2018.